17 Day Amazing China with Tibet
From
$3849
Land Only
$5189*
Air & Land
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
Cabin B | ||
---|---|---|
Grand Mercure Beijing Dongcheng | Beijing | |
Grand Park Xian Hotel | Xian | |
Hilton Chengdu | Chengdu | |
Lhasa Xin Ding Grand Hotel | Lhasa, Tibet | |
Victoria Cruises Ship | Chongqing | |
Pullman Shanghai Jing An | Shanghai |
Cabin A | ||
---|---|---|
Grand Mercure Beijing Dongcheng | Beijing | |
Grand Park Xian Hotel | Xian | |
Hilton Chengdu | Chengdu | |
Lhasa Xin Ding Grand Hotel | Lhasa, Tibet | |
Victoria Cruises Ship | Chongqing | |
Pullman Shanghai Jing An | Shanghai |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
Book By Mar 31, 2021 & Save!
2021 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1100 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Dates | ||||
|
$3669 | $4169 | $4829* | $5329* |
|
$3669 | $4169 | $4829* | $5329* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5009* | $5509* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5119* | $5619* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5249* | $5749* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5249* | $5749* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5559* | $6059* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5189* | $5689* |
|
|
|
||
  | $3669 | $4829* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3669 | $4829* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5009* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5119* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5249* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5249* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5559* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5189* |
2021 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1100 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Dates | ||||
|
$3869 | $4369 | $5029* | $5529* |
|
$3869 | $4369 | $5029* | $5529* |
|
$4049 | $4549 | $5209* | $5709* |
|
$4049 | $4549 | $5319* | $5819* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5249* | $5749* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5249* | $5749* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5559* | $6059* |
|
$3849 | $4349 | $5189* | $5689* |
|
|
|
||
  | $3869 | $5029* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3869 | $5029* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $4049 | $5209* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $4049 | $5319* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5249* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5249* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5559* | ||
|
|
|
||
  | $3849 | $5189* |
Not Included:
Yangtze River Cruise gratuity charge of RMB 150 (approx. US$25) per adult per cruise (charged directly to your account upon embarkation), optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only prices do not include arrival/departure transfers, but do include flights Beijing-Xian, Chengdu-Lhasa, Lhasa-Chongqing & Yichang-Shanghai.
Due to limited storage space on the High Speed train from Xian to Chengdu, only one small piece of luggage (44 lbs) per passenger is permitted onboard for your personal belongings. Your additional luggage will be transported separately to Xian and you will be without your checked luggage for 1 night in Xian; therefore it is recommended to take an overnight bag.
Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Alternative sites may be visited depending upon water levels and hours of daylight.
Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 40 days prior to departure.
Accommodation Details:
Victoria Cruise cabins on Wednesday & Saturday departures cannot comfortably accommodate 3 people; therefore, our triple adult and twin with child pricing reflects the additional cost of an upgrade to Executive Suite.
Ship by Departure Day of the Week:
Wednesday Departures - Victoria Lianna
*Please note that the ships are subject to change due to local conditions.
This program is available for U.S. Passport Holders only: A visa is required for entry into Tibet and is obtained on your behalf by Gate 1 Travel. This visa is required in addition to and separately from a China visa. Entry into Tibet is strictly controlled by the Chinese government, and rules for entry change regularly and without notice. Once you have made final payment, you will receive an email containing special instructions on how to apply for your Chinese visa. At this time, Gate 1 is only able to obtain a Tibet visa for U.S. passport holders. Entry to Tibet is never guaranteed, regardless of nationality. On occasion, entry to Tibet may be prohibited entirely and without notice. In the event of a border closure, Gate 1 will make alternative arrangements for affected passengers to visit Guilin, in another area of China.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Package Includes
This Program is available for U.S. Passport Holders Only
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
- Flights Los Angeles-Beijing, Shanghai-Los Angeles
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- All intra-flights: Beijing-Xian, Chengdu-Lhasa, Lhasa-Chongqing & Yichang-Shanghai
- 15 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Beijing
- 2 nights Xian
- 2 nights Chengdu
- 3 nights Lhasa (Tibet)
- 3 nights cruise downstream on the Yangtze River
- 2 nights Shanghai
- Hotel & cruise porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- High-Speed Bullet Train from Xian to Chengdu
- 36 meals: 15 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 9 dinners with beer (including 2 home hosted lunches, and welcome & farewell dinners)
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Active itinerary with unique cultural features
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Tour Highlights
- Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
- Exploration of Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lunch and meeting with a local family in Beijing's Hutong community
- Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man
- Join the residents of Xian in Xingqing Park in their morning exercise
- Visit the unforgettable archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors entombed with China's first Emperor Qin Shi Huang
- Meet the famous Giant Panda bears at the Chengdu Panda Research Center
- Travel to the storied capital of Lhasa in Tibet to visit the world-famous Potala Palace, one of the grandest monuments in all of Asia
- Embark on a 3-night Yangtze River Cruise that journeys through some of the greatest scenery in the world
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day, and we spend four to five hours on our feet during tours. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. The Great Wall requires a climb of approximately 300 steps, some of which have an incline. It is recommended to wear sturdy shoes, and people who have knee problems may want to carry a walking stick. The altitude, 11,500 feet above sea level in Lhasa may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by high altitude. We suggest you check with your health-care provider before signing up for this tour. Air pollution is a problem in many of China's major cities. Please see the CDC website and/or consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations. The usage of a bandanna or, light scarf might help screen out some of the pollutants in the air. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.

Sign up for Gate 1 Travel's The Deal today! The Deal offers you unique, subscriber only savings that are available for a limited time only delivered to your inbox every week. Don't waste precious hours scouring the web trying to create a low-cost vacation package on your own; The Deal is a simple click away! Subscribe here.
455 Maryland Drive
Ft. Washington, PA 19034 USA
1-215-653-7150
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for China
Optional tours are available for purchase on board. Please visit this link for tour information. |
Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.






This superior first class hotel is a three minute walk from the Shanghai railway station.
Hotel Details





This superior first class hotel is a three minute walk from the Shanghai railway station.
Hotel Details- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Dine on Imperial set menu of 6 courses. All while you enjoy the beat of Chang' an music. After dinner, enjoy the celebrated Tang Dynasty show, a one-thousand-year-old dance performed by the passionate Tang Dynasty Troupe. This historical performance is a national art, reflective of the glory and richness of China's Tang Dynasty. Transfers to and from your hotel included.
Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
Day #6 | 01 Apr 2019 - 31 Mar 2023 | $59.00 |

Be swept away and mesmerized by a colorful Sichuan Opera as performers take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances. Traditional performances include theatrical dance pieces, opera solos, a :"rolling oil lamp" sequence, hand-shadow play, stick puppets, and the famous Bian Lian (face changing performance) where actors can imperceptibly swap vividly colored masks in the quick swipe of a fan. Transfers to and from your hotel are included.
Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.
Day #8 | 01 Apr 2019 - 31 Mar 2023 | $45.00 |


The trip was so amazing, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and took the outmost care of us all!! Those two things made for a lovely memorable discovery trip ever! I will for sure look forward to another trip with Gate 1, Discovery Tours.
Yolanda L. Long Beach, CA
Our Discovery tour of China with Tibet is one of the best, if not the best of the sixteen Gate 1 tours (and fifth Discovery tour) that we have taken. All the arrangements were perfect, especially the checking-in of our luggage and getting boarding passes before we even get to the airports for our domestic flights (service that we have never experienced in any other country)! Our tour guide Frank is the best guide in all respects that we have had on any tour. He is obviously very experienced, concerning, caring, always there when we needed him, full of knowledge about the locations and history. One of the most admirable qualities of Frank was that he never seems flustered, always prepared and concerned about our safety, warned us ahead of time what to expect and how to prepare ourselves for good parts and possible difficulties that we may encounter on the next stop, such as the high altitude of Tibet and the difficult hike of the Great Wall. He is always very concerned about some of our group who had special needs, however inconvenient, such as special diet needs, or travel difficulties. And there were some very demanding people in the group. Frank also worked very well with all the local guides and the drivers. This small Discovery group travel is wonderful, especially since we only had sixteen in the group. We had a vey nice group that traveled well together. This has been a wonderful tour of THE highlights of China – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Ming Tomb, Terracotta Warriors, panda bears, Tibet Potala Palace, Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges, Shanghai sights especially the Bund night scene. What our group talked about was that Gate 1 should also have a “follow-up reunion” Discovery tour of some lesser well known but could be equally spectacular sights of China such as Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie, Huangsan, Guilin, etc. The group talked a lot about traveling together again in the future, but a true “reunion” in China with Frank as our guide would be very attractive. We have traveled to China a lot in the past, but this trip has truly been very special, different and memorable. All the details of the trip, some however small, were handled beautifully by our guide Frank and everything about the trip went smoothly and comfortably.
John & Lynda H. Lincoln, NH
This was my 5th trip with Gate 1, the first for my younger brother Stephen who traveled with me. We were both overwhelmed with the scope of learning and understanding gained, as well as the precision and attention to detail ...the details that make a trip smooth and enjoyable for the group. I believe a key to this success in in "managing expectations," a feat our guide did with finesse and kindness. This China/Tibet trip is mind expanding and comprehensive in scope, personal, yet international in focus. Every time I try to decide what was the very best part of the trip, I think of 15 different times, places, interactions, guides, meals, all worthy of the descriptor "best." True of this trip--as it has been in the other trips I have taken with Gate 1--was your selection of a singularly professional, knowledgeable and personable Guide. Tom truly made this difficult and comprehensive trip feel as if he was leading his "friends" to enjoy and understand his country. For me these trips are about international interactions--with guides, artisans, chefs, historians, scholars, and also, with each other--disparate travelers who come together for experiences and friendships, and spread the excitement and understanding with friends and family at home. Details--the Chendu pandas were only outdone by the ladies and gentlemen in the park who helped us learn mahjong. And the ladies and gentlemen in the park in Xian who danced and sang and "hake-sacked" with us--Wow! The lectures in Tibet and Shanghai sated our curiosity, as did the Hutong and Shanghai lunches sated our appetite. And, when we got on the cruise, we practiced our newly learned mahjong skills, and taught other cruisers. Who goes on a trip, eats three meals a day (love the lazy susans!), and comes home 4 pounds lighter! Someone who climbs The Great Wall, the steps of the Potala Palace, the 9 floors of the Red Pagoda, and the steps to the White Emperor Pagoda...and dances with the ladies in the parks!
Kathryn L. Boca Raton, FL
Our trip was great! The pace was active and we liked that. We covered a lot of territory in a relatively short time. We also loved that our group only had 15 people in it. Our guide, Jessica, was phenomenal. She was calm under pressure and took so much care to check in with all of us individually to make sure we were all happy and felt well.
Michelle F. Irvine, CA
It was wonderful! I've seldom enjoyed a trip more. Our tour manager Sam was superlative, so organized and on top of everything as well as helpful and friendly. Our local guides Ivy, Nora, Jack, Michelle and Tom were great, all very knowledgeable. We had a lot of fun and a lot of laughter at their stories and anecdotes. We had no problems anywhere. Our tour mates were a great bunch of people, we bonded really well. China and Tibet are great places, so much history beauty and everything else too. The trip was well organized in its choices of the cities to visit and activities. Hotels were well chosen and the food was superlative. The home hosted lunches were definitely a highlight for me.It was a truly memorable experience to meet the local people in their home Well done Sam, well done Gate 1 ! Looking forward to the Egypt trip in October.
Bandana R. Warren, NJ
The China-Tibet Trip was great and our tour manager Andy was outstanding in managing all aspects of our travel plans and details! Of course the local tour guides were excellent in services and site-seeing knowledge. We will continue to use Gate 1 as our favorite International tour agent.
Henry T. Irvine, CA
Our trip to China and Tibet was excellent. This was our first group tour and we were quite pleasantly surprised by the experience. Our tour manager, Sam, was exceptional! He was accommodating and personable from the very start and his professionalism showed every day with his communication skills and ability to manage every detail for all of us on the tour. We were impressed by the knowledge, communication, and friendliness of every one of our local guides as well. Good job all around Discovery Tours!
Bobby and Becca V. Green Cove Springs, FL
My wife and I had an awesome time on the 17 day China Tour Trip. We saw and learned so much about China and it easily surpassed our high expectations. This was our 3rd Gate 1 Trip and we have come to expect the care for detail and their ability to provide quality lodgings, meals and transportation. However, what made the trip so special for us was our luck in getting Melinda as our guide. She made the the wonderful trip remarkable. Her knowledge, her sense of humor, her organizational skills, her sensitivity to each individual's needs, her efforts to teach us everything -from basic Chinese language to the history of various periods of Chinese history and customs were wonderful and memorable. As you can see, I can't say enough good things about her. She is a treasure.
Dan and Ora M. Los Angeles, CA
My trip to China and Tibet was great. Our tour manager Ivy was exceptionally good and made this trip even more special. Her attention to details was amazing. This was the smallest group I have ever traveled with and I loved it as it allowed us to experience many things that wouldn't have been possible for a large group. Loved all the local guides as well. Loved the country, food and all the accommodations .. Would love to go back and experience more of this amazing country.
Agamani S. Lawrence, KS
It was a fantastic trip. I cannot say enough about our experiences in China and Tibet. The cruise down the Yangtze river was also terrific. Our tour guide, Frank, and the local guides were knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. Looking forward to traveling with Gate 1 again.
Jim T. Newland, NC
Without a doubt, the China/Tibet trip that I participated in was FANTASTIC! ... I am recommending them to family and friends. Having been on larger trips over the years, I must say that accommodating so few travelers afforded us greater mobility, and many chances to interact with each other ... Special, special thanks to Jenny and Frank for answering my neverending questions, offering so many local tidbits and gems, and enduring my versions of the languages. This trip was one that I wanted to experience for years, and it was everything that I expected and more ... Thanks again to everyone for my Chinese/Tibetan memories.
Julianna B. Westerville, OH
I would like to add that EVERYONE on our trip to China was over-the-top crazy about our tour manager, Louise. She could not have been more professional or more caring ... She never seemed to tire of our endless questions! ... Another guide was taking us to the airport for our trip home, but when Louise's flight was cancelled, she made a point to find us in a very busy airport. I can't say enough wonderful things about her. I consider her a friend and tears were shed when we had to say good-bye!
Elizabeth G. McDonough, GA.
Trip was great - our guide Jason was fantastic - loved all of tour - only wish it would have included one more day in shanghai for individual time, shopping etc think everyone in our group felt like they would have liked to stay in shanghai one more day for some free time!! Love it - great accommodations, local guides, travel - very happy with trip - but especially loved our guide - he made trip fantastic!!
Ann B. Edmonds, WA
The trip was excellent. We really got our money's worth. Tibet was a once in a lifetime experience.
Harvey R. San Diego, CA
Fabulous trip from start to finish! Our guide was wonderful and charming. The trip was a once in a lifetime experience for our family. Our son, Nicholas, was born in Beijing in 2003. This was his first time to visit his birthplace since we adopted him in 2005. So the trip was a pilgrimage for him, and he now has a great appreciation for his heritage.
David N. Austin, TX
Superb! our tour guide "Jack" was the most conscientious and affable tour guide to date from any company that i have traveled within the last 30 years! keep your Discovery Tour rates reasonable and accommodation quality high and i will continue to travel with Gate 1 (the idea of value for money was echoed by my other 12 tour mates as well).
Gregory Y. San Gabriel, CA
The 17 day Amazing China with Tibet was great. Ms. Ivy was our tour manager. She was excellent organizing our group of 20 people. Extremely knowledgeable with great personality. She has given us a lot of history of China and the culture. We all have fun, laughing, dancing, singing and joking. Highly recommend the Discovery Tours Gate 1 Travel.
Kar W. Daly City, CA
The tour was fabulous. Maggie was a GREAT tour guide. Her local guides were great. They had the whisper system which was such an asset. My husband and I are so pleased that we are going to be a customer of yours for as long as you have good tours. We LOVE the small number of people on a tour!!!! Keep great tours coming.
Nancy J. Austin, TX
My trip was amazing! I had a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. The Discovery itinerary was exactly what I had hoped for. Our tour manager, Joan, did an outstanding job of organizing our sightseeing, meals, lodging and logistics. My fellow travelers, there were 9 of us, were a lot of fun. It was an outstanding trip.
Maren E. Park City, UT
My trip to China/Tibet was absolutely wonderful....great people, great food, and great country. Jason was an amazing tour manager, as were the local guides and drivers. I learned so many things that I didn't know before. I highly recommend Discovery Tours to China/Tibet.
Marianne M. Snellville, GA
We spent 11 days in Mongolia followed by 17 days in China & Tibet. Like every Gate 1 trip, we totally enjoyed both of our exceptional Tour Guides, Gamban in Mongolia and Jack in China. They made this adventure a wonderful experience. This was a very active trip, we were on the go 7-7 and there was never a dull moment. They kept us informed, educated, and entertained. I believe a great tour guide is the primary factor that can make a tour successful and that is why we choose Gate 1. Also, I want to compliment all of the local guides in each city. They were excellent providing not only the history but also explained today's culture compared to the past and shared personal stories that really made the trip special. The Mongolia highlight was our visits with several nomadic families which gave us the best insight to their daily lives. We consider ourselves Gate 1 family and will continue to plan our future journeys with Gate 1.
Donna S. St. Augustine, FL